A man alleged to be a Los Angeles gang member has pleaded not guilty to a charge of killing a high school football star.

Nineteen-year-old Pedro Espinoza was arraigned Wednesday on a murder charge with so-called special allegations that carry a potential death penalty.

Prosecutors say he gunned down 17-year-old Jamiel (Jah-MEEL) Shaw Jr. on March 2.

The killing was part of a series of gang-related shootings in the city.

Jamiel was a standout running back at Los Angeles High School and authorities say he was not a gang member.

Espinoza had been released from jail one day earlier after serving time for assault with a deadly weapon.